British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been injured in a serious road accident along Nigeria’s Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, with two other people confirmed dead, Prime Africa has learned.
Local police and road safety officials say the crash occurred on Monday morning near the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, just before a Danco petrol station. Joshua, who was travelling in a Lexus SUV from Lagos to his family home, was rescued alive and taken to hospital with what officials described as minor injuries.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in was involved in a collision with a stationary truck along the busy expressway. Preliminary investigations by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest the vehicle may have been travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control while overtaking before crashing into the truck.
According to the FRSC, five adult males were involved in the crash. Two people died at the scene, two others escaped unhurt, while Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken for medical attention.
Images and videos of the aftermath have been circulating widely on social media, including pictures showing a severely damaged vehicle, debris scattered around a truck with a large dent, and Joshua sitting in the back seat of a vehicle shortly after the incident. Prime Africa is working to independently verify the footage.
A relative of the 36-year-old boxer, who spoke to Prime Africa on condition of anonymity, said the news had come as a shock to the family.
“We are hoping for his speedy recovery and also praying for the people who passed away. May the departed rest in peace,” the relative said.
They added that Joshua was expected to arrive at the family home for New Year celebrations. “He normally comes around for the new year. We hadn’t seen him yet, so we were expecting him.”
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which spans about 127 kilometres and connects Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. The road is particularly busy during the festive season, as many Nigerians travel from the diaspora to spend the holidays at home.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo confirmed that a full investigation into the crash has been ordered. The Divisional Police Officer in Sagamu, Ode Fredrick, said officers were heading to the hospital to confirm details regarding the casualties and injuries.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations continue and more information becomes available.
About The Author
